UCF Tailgating: Rules, Regulations, and How to Make the Most of Game Day

Tailgating at a UCF (University of Central Florida) football game is a celebrated tradition, bringing together students, alumni, and fans for a pre-game experience filled with camaraderie and school spirit. To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, UCF has established specific rules and policies for tailgating on campus. This article provides a comprehensive guide to UCF's tailgating regulations, covering everything from reservations and permitted locations to prohibited items and responsible behavior.

Reserving Your Spot: Knights on the Mall

For those seeking a prime tailgating location on Memory Mall, reservations are essential. The "Knights on the Mall" online reservation system, available to students and alumni, allows you to secure your space in advance. Reservations open on the Sunday before each home game, and due to high demand, it's recommended to reserve your spot early.

Memory Mall is a popular tailgating spot, especially for students and those without vehicles. It's a large grass field located between the Student Union and CFE Arena. Due to the strong student presence, Memory Mall has gained a reputation as a lively tailgating area.

Only Memory Mall requires reservations; other tailgating locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to Tailgate: Permitted Locations

Tailgating is permitted in designated open parking lots and other locations such as Lake Claire and Memory Mall. Specifically, fans can tailgate at the Baseball Lot, Softball Lot, Lots E1-E8, and Garage F.

Read also: Comprehensive Tailgate Guide

However, tailgating is strictly prohibited in parking garages and campus roadways. In parking lots, tailgating activities must be confined to the area immediately behind your vehicle, ensuring that traffic flow and parking spaces for other vehicles are not obstructed.

Gemini Boulevard North, between East Plaza and West Plaza drives, will be closed to vehicular traffic prior to and during tailgating on each game day.

Important Policies and Guidelines

Alcohol Consumption

UCF has an open container waiver, allowing fans 21 and older to consume alcoholic beverages on game days. This waiver is in effect starting when the "other campus lots" open and ends at the published kickoff time for the game.

However, alcohol is not permitted inside the stadium, except for those drinks purchased at the Carl Black and Gold Cabana. Be prepared for bag searches at the stadium entrance.

Responsible Behavior

UCF expects all fans to celebrate responsibly and adhere to the following rules while on campus. Failure to abide by these rules may result in removal from campus, loss of season-ticket privileges, student disciplinary action, or arrest.

Read also: Knights Tailgate Essentials

All fans are expected to be respectful of university property and fellow fans. Drunkenness, vandalism, obscene or harassing behavior, and violence (or threats of violence) will not be tolerated and should be reported to the nearest law enforcement official.

Prohibited Items and Activities

The unlawful possession, distribution, or use of any drug or controlled substance is prohibited on the UCF campus.
Glass containers are not allowed during tailgating hours.
Drinking games are not permitted during tailgating hours.
Tow-behind trailers longer than 10 feet are not allowed in non-RV parking lots.
All vehicles and other tailgating items must fit within the allotted parking space.
Animals, except for service animals, are not allowed on campus on game day.
Fires of any type are not permitted.
Live music, disc jockeys, and excessive amplified sound are not permitted.
Use of any Property utilities is prohibited.
Non-Property golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, mopeds, scooters, ATVs, go-karts and the like are not allowed.

A list of items are prohibited inside the stadium: umbrellas, cans, bottles, banners, flags, horns, whistles, personal chairback seats, video or camcorders, balls and artificial noisemakers, among others.

Tailgating Setup

Personal tents/canopies must be 10 feet x 10 feet or smaller and are only allowed directly behind the tailgating spot being used.
Sidewalks must be kept clear of tents, grills, furniture, speakers, and other tailgating items at all times.
Propane cooking grills are highly recommended for tailgating. If using charcoal, carefully dispose of hot coals in designated barrels.

Clean Up

To protect the environment and the campus, all fans are asked to dispose of recyclables and trash in the provided containers.

Premium Tailgating with REVELxp

For those seeking a hassle-free tailgating experience, REVELxp offers premium full-service tailgates located steps away from the stadium. They cater to friends and family gatherings, university department outings, and corporate events.

REVELxp Services

Meticulously organized tent layout in a prime location near the stadium.
Partnerships with local food and beverage providers.
A welcoming atmosphere fostering connections and camaraderie.

REVELxp Policies

Payment is due upon booking for individual game reservations.
All sales are final. In the event of a game postponement or cancellation, 100% of payments made will be fully credited for future use.
Tailgates exceeding package capacities may be required to remove additional guests.
Banners and signage that recognize businesses, political candidates, or engage in any form of solicitation are strictly prohibited.
In the event you order a parking pass from REVELxp, your vehicle must not exceed 2 axles and must fit within one 9x8 foot parking space. If the vehicle cannot fit within the designated parking space or exceeds the parking deck’s maximum height of 9 feet You will be required to find alternative parking in or around campus. REVELxp will not be responsible for securing or locating parking for guests. If You choose to park in areas not designated for parking, your vehicle will be towed which will result in a $500.00 fine in addition to all expenses resulting from towing.

Corporate and Commercial Tailgating

All corporate or commercial tailgating activities, including allocation of space and provision of services, are managed by UCF Sports Properties. Tent canopies/covers are considered signage/displays and may not display corporate logos, advertising, or signage (tent canopies should be plain/generic). Violators will be told to take down or remove corporate logos. Banners and signage recognizing businesses may not be displayed, nor may promotional commercial materials be distributed without prior approval by UCF.

Read also: Conference Realignment Impact

Non-commercial messages (that is, non-profit or political messages) are subject to reasonable restrictions to protect safety and pedestrian access. Solicitation of any kind, for commercial, non-profit, political, or other purposes, within UCF facilities or on UCF premises is prohibited unless specifically approved by UCF. No food sales or vendors are allowed on campus without approval of UCF Athletics and its concessionaire.

Dropping Off Tailgating Gear

Memory Mall tailgaters who wish to drop off their tailgating gear can do so by the barricades on either side of the road. The road will be reopened at the discretion of law enforcement following the conclusion of tailgating.

Alternative Parking

UCF will continue to offer $20 cash parking in Garage H on game days, which will be available to all fans.

Experiencing Game Day

While tailgating, take advantage of the various experiences around campus, from families grilling out under a tent in an open lot to the Marching Knights performing at Memory Mall. Multiple restaurants are also available for food and drinks inside the Student Union.

Staying Hydrated

Hydration is crucial while tailgating around the UCF campus.

tags: #ucf #tailgate #reservation #rules